Dr. Raymond S. Greenberg, president of the Medical University of South Carolina, will speak at the College of Charleston’s 2012 Winter Commencement, where 400 undergraduates and 50 graduate students will be celebrated for all that they have accomplished while earning their degrees at the College. The ceremony will be held Saturday, December 15, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. at the TD Arena (301 Meeting Street). Seating will begin at 12:30 p.m., and the ceremony will last approximately 90 minutes and will be followed by a reception in the Cistern Yard. More information.

Ray Greenberg had big shoes to fill when he became the president of the Medical University of South Carolina in 2000. The 44-year-old provost was replacing Jim Edwards, a former governor of South Carolina and a College of Charleston alumnus, who had presided over the state university, medical center and six medical colleges for 17 years.

Thirteen years later, thanks to Greenberg’s leadership, MUSC is recognized as a leading health and research university. Perhaps most important, he has continued MUSC’s core mission: the enhancement of health for residents of the Palmetto State. “The Medical University exists to preserve and optimize human life in South Carolina and beyond,” says Greenberg. “It is to that end – preserving and optimizing human life – that remains the benchmark against which we must measure our progress.”

During the ceremony, Dr. Greenberg will receive an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters degree. Nationally recognized for his research on cancer, Dr. Greenberg currently collaborates to improve health, advance medical research, and stimulate economic development.

An honorary degree is given to someone with an exceptional record of distinction and achievement in at least one of the following areas: scholarship, research, teaching, creative arts, and public service, or manifests outstanding acclaim to the College. In addition, the College confers honorary degrees in recognition of outstanding intellectual or creative achievements in scholarship, high distinction in service to humanity, including meritorious contributions to the College or for exemplary leadership in education, business, public service, or other appropriate sector of society.

The College of Charleston is a public liberal arts and sciences university located in the heart of historic Charleston, South Carolina. Founded in 1770, the College is among the nation’s top universities for quality education, student life and affordability. With more than 11,000 students, the College of Charleston offers the distinctive combination of a beautiful and historic campus, modern facilities and cutting-edge programs.